INTRODUCTION

   If you happen to be looking for a new mechanical gaming keyboard and don't have a specific model in mind then in all likelihood you'll be confused by the massive number of available ones in the market today. A few years ago things would be way simpler but today between all the different mechanical switch manufacturers (Cherry, Kailh, Gateron, Outemu, OMRON, Topre and Matias), single and RGB key illumination, macro keys, dedicated media keys and other somewhat lesser important features things can get a bit tricky. It goes without saying really that price is also a very decisive factor for some people so if you care about that too things will not get much easier. Sandberg has released numerous products in the recent years aimed towards people on a budget so when they released their very first mechanical gaming keyboard called the Hailstorm a while back we just had to check it out.

   Sandberg stands for quality and user-friendliness. If it is important for you that accessories are high quality and easy to figure out how to use, then choose Sandberg. Our ideology "IT is for everybody" is part of everything we do. Since its inception in 1985, private consumers, institutions and companies have benefited from this simple philosophy. Distributors and dealers appreciate the availability, range, simple procedures and the exceptionally low failure rate. Every year over half a million Sandberg products find their way to users in more than 30 countries. Choosing Sandberg means choosing a safe and conscientious product that meets all applicable regulatory requirements. A product manufactured by subcontractors who are committed to following Sandberg's Code of Conduct to ensure decent working conditions and reduce the environmental impact of the production and waste disposal.

   Unlike the majority of mechanical gaming keyboards in the market today (that use Cherry and Kailh switches) Sandberg decided to equip the Hailstorm with the less popular Outemu Blue switches which are certified for up to 50 million actuations, require 30 grams of actuation force and provide both significant audible and tactile feedback (clicky). Other features include a floating key design (easier cleaning), RGB illumination (7 colors selection) for all of its keys with 10 lighting effects, intergrated wrist rest, metal plate beneath the keys for increased durability and several blue LEDs all over its sides (adding to the overall design/looks of the keyboard). The list of features may not be as long as with some other models in the market but since this is the first mechanical keyboard by Sandberg let's take a closer look and see what it has to offer.